U.S. patent application number 14/334309 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-22 for two pass multi-function torque converter.
The applicant listed for this patent is Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG. Invention is credited to Patrick M. Lindemann, Matthew Payne.
Application Number | 20150021137 14/334309 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52130525 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150021137 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lindemann; Patrick M. ; et
al. |
January 22, 2015 |
TWO PASS MULTI-FUNCTION TORQUE CONVERTER
Abstract
A torque converter, including: a cover; an impeller including an
impeller blade, and an impeller shell with a first surface
extending beyond the impeller blade in a radial direction and at an
acute angle with respect to a first line in the radial direction; a
turbine including a turbine blade, and a turbine shell with a
second surface axially aligned with the first surface and at the
acute angle with respect to the first line; a turbine clutch
including the first and second surfaces and friction material
disposed between the first and second surfaces; a torus at least
partially enclosed by the impeller and turbine shells; and a
pressure chamber at least partially formed by the turbine shell and
the cover. For torque converter mode, the turbine and the impeller
are independently rotatably with respect to each other. For lock-up
mode, the first and second surfaces are non-rotatably
connected.
Inventors: |
Lindemann; Patrick M.;
(Wooster, OH) ; Payne; Matthew; (Glenmont,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG |
Herzogenaurach |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
52130525 |
Appl. No.: |
14/334309 |
Filed: |
July 17, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61856282 |
Jul 19, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
192/3.29 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16H 2045/0205 20130101;
F16H 2045/0278 20130101; F16H 2045/002 20130101; F16H 41/24
20130101; F16H 2045/0221 20130101; F16H 2045/0263 20130101; F16H
45/02 20130101; F16H 2045/0257 20130101; F16H 2045/0215
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
192/3.29 |
International
Class: |
F16H 41/24 20060101
F16H041/24 |
Claims
1. A multi-function torque converter, comprising: a cover arranged
to receive torque; an impeller including an impeller shell and at
least one impeller blade connected to the impeller shell; a turbine
including a turbine shell and at least one turbine blade connected
to the turbine shell; a torus at least partially enclosed by the
impeller and turbine shells; a first pressure chamber at least
partially formed by the impeller shell and the cover; an impeller
clutch including a portion of the impeller shell; and, a resilient
element assembly located in the first pressure chamber, wherein:
pressure in the torus is arranged to displace the impeller shell in
a first direction to substantially non-rotatably connect the
portion of the impeller shell to the cover for a closed mode for
the impeller clutch; and, the resilient element assembly urges,
with a first force, the impeller shell in a second direction
opposite the first direction.
2. The multi-function torque converter of claim 1, wherein: when a
second force in the first direction, produced by pressure in the
torus, is less than the first force, the resilient element assembly
is arranged to displace the impeller shell in the second direction
to disengage the impeller shell and cover for an open mode for the
impeller clutch.
3. The multi-function torque converter of claim 1, wherein: the
resilient element assembly includes at least one groove; and,
radially inward flow of fluid out of the first pressure chamber is
at least partly through the at least one groove.
4. The multi-function torque converter of claim 3, wherein: the
entirety of the radially inward flow of fluid out of the first
pressure chamber is through the at least one groove.
5. The multi-function torque converter of claim 3, wherein: the
resilient element assembly includes friction material in contact
with the cover; and, the at least one groove is formed in the
friction material.
6. The multi-function torque converter of claim 3, wherein the
resilient element assembly includes: a diaphragm spring; a first
plastic washer non-rotatably connected to a first end of the
diaphragm spring, in contact with the cover, and including the at
least one groove; and, a second plastic washer non-rotatably
connected to a second end of the diaphragm spring and in contact
with the impeller shell.
7. The multi-function torque converter of claim 1, wherein: the
impeller clutch includes: a portion of the impeller shell located
radially outward of the at least one impeller blade; first friction
material located between the portion of the impeller shell and the
cover in the first direction; and, in the closed mode for the
impeller clutch, the portion of the impeller shell, the first
friction material, and the cover are substantially non-rotatably
engaged.
8. The multi-function torque converter of claim 6, wherein: to
transition the impeller clutch from an open mode, in which the
impeller shell is rotatable with respect to the cover, to the
closed mode, fluid in the first pressure chamber is arranged to
drain from the first pressure chamber to a sump without control of
a back pressure of the fluid.
9. The multi-function torque converter of claim 6, further
comprising: a turbine clutch including: a portion of the turbine
shell located radially outward of the plurality of turbine blades;
and, second friction material located between the portion of the
impeller shell and the portion of the turbine shell in the first
direction, wherein: in a open mode for the turbine clutch, the
portion of the turbine shell is rotatable with respect to the
portion of the impeller shell; and, in a closed mode for the
turbine clutch, the portion of the turbine shell, the second
friction material, and the portion of the impeller shell are
substantially non-rotatably connected.
10. The multi-function torque converter of claim 1, further
comprising: a turbine clutch; and, a second pressure chamber at
least partially formed by the turbine shell and the cover, wherein:
for fluid pressure in the second pressure chamber greater than
fluid pressure in the torus, the turbine shell is arranged to
displace in the first direction to substantially non-rotatably
connect to the impeller shell; and, for fluid pressure in the torus
greater than the fluid pressure in the second chamber, the turbine
shell is arranged to displace in the second direction so that the
turbine shell is rotatable with respect to the impeller shell.
11. The multi-function torque converter of claim 9, further
comprising: a first fluid circuit arranged to control flow of
pressurized fluid to the torus; a second fluid circuit arranged to
control flow of pressurized fluid to the second pressure chamber;
and, a third fluid circuit arranged to passively drain fluid from
the first pressure chamber.
12. A multi-function torque converter, comprising: a cover arranged
to receive torque; an impeller including an impeller shell and at
least one impeller blade connected to the impeller shell; a turbine
including a turbine shell and at least one turbine blade connected
to the turbine shell; a torus at least partially enclosed by the
impeller and turbine shells; a first pressure chamber at least
partially formed by the impeller shell and the cover; an impeller
clutch including a portion of the impeller shell; and, a resilient
element assembly located in the first pressure chamber, wherein:
fluid pressure in the torus is arranged to exert a first force on
the impeller shell to displace the impeller shell in a first
direction to substantially non-rotatably connect the portion of the
impeller shell to the cover for a closed mode for the impeller
clutch; the resilient element assembly applies a second force to
the impeller shell in a second direction opposite the first
direction; and, when the second force is greater than the first
force, the resilient element assembly is arranged to displace the
impeller shell in the second direction to disengage the impeller
shell and cover for an open mode for the impeller clutch.
13. The multi-function torque converter of claim 12, wherein: the
resilient element assembly includes at least one groove; and,
radially inward flow of fluid out of the first pressure chamber is
at least partly through the at least one groove.
14. The multi-function torque converter of claim 12, wherein: the
portion of the impeller shell is located radially outward of the at
least one impeller blade; the impeller clutch includes first
friction material located between the portion of the impeller shell
and the cover in the first direction; and, in the closed mode for
the impeller clutch, the portion of the impeller shell, the first
friction material, and the cover are substantially non-rotatably
engaged.
15. The multi-function torque converter of claim 14, wherein: to
transition the impeller clutch from an open mode in which the
impeller shell is rotatable with respect to the cover to the closed
mode, fluid in the first pressure chamber is arranged to drain from
the first pressure chamber to a sump without control of a back
pressure of the fluid.
16. The multi-function torque converter of claim 14, further
comprising: a turbine clutch including: a portion of the turbine
shell located radially outward of the plurality of turbine blades;
and, second friction material located between the portion of the
turbine shell and the portion of the impeller shell in the first
direction, wherein: in a open mode for the turbine clutch, the
portion of the turbine shell is rotatable with respect to the
portion of the impeller shell; and, in a closed mode for the
turbine clutch, the portion of the turbine shell, the second
friction material, and the portion of the impeller shell are
substantially non-rotatably engaged.
17. The multi-function torque converter of claim 12, further
comprising: a turbine clutch; and, a second pressure chamber at
least partially formed by the turbine shell and the cover, wherein:
when fluid pressure in the second pressure chamber greater than the
fluid pressure in the torus, the turbine shell is arranged to
displace in the first direction to substantially non-rotatably
connect to the impeller shell; and, when the fluid pressure in the
second pressure chamber less than the fluid pressure in the torus,
the turbine shell is arranged to displace in the second direction
so that the turbine shell is rotatable with respect to the impeller
shell.
18. The multi-function torque converter of claim 17, further
comprising: a first fluid circuit arranged to control flow of first
pressurized fluid to the torus; a second fluid circuit arranged to
control flow of second pressurized fluid to the second pressure
chamber; and, a third fluid circuit arranged to passively drain
fluid from the first pressure chamber.
19. A multi-function torque converter, comprising: a cover arranged
to receive torque; an impeller including an impeller shell and at
least one impeller blade connected to the impeller shell; a turbine
including a turbine shell and at least one turbine blade connected
to the turbine shell; a torus at least partially enclosed by the
impeller and turbine shells; a first pressure chamber at least
partially formed by the impeller shell and the cover; a second
pressure chamber at least partially formed by the turbine shell and
the cover; an impeller clutch including a portion of the impeller
shell; a resilient element assembly located in the first pressure
chamber and urging the impeller shell in a first direction with a
first force; and, a turbine clutch including a portion of the
turbine shell, wherein: when a second force, produced by fluid
pressure in the torus, in a second direction opposite the first
direction is greater than the first force, the second force is
arranged to displace the impeller shell in the second direction to
substantially non-rotatably connect the portion of the impeller
shell and the cover for a closed mode for the impeller clutch; when
the first force is greater than the second force, the resilient
element assembly is arranged to displace the impeller shell in the
first direction to disengage the impeller shell and cover for an
open mode for the impeller clutch; and, a difference the fluid
pressure in the torus and fluid pressure in the second chamber is
arranged to displace the turbine shell in the first or second
direction to disengage or engage, respectively, the portion of the
turbine shell with the portion of the impeller shell.
20. The multi-function torque converter of claim 19, further
comprising: a first fluid circuit arranged to control flow of first
pressurized fluid to the torus; a second fluid circuit arranged to
control flow of second pressurized fluid to the second pressure
chamber; and, a third fluid circuit arranged to passively drain
fluid from the first pressure chamber.
21. A torque converter, comprising: a cover arranged to receive
torque; an impeller including: at least one impeller blade; and, an
impeller shell with a first surface: extending beyond the at least
one impeller blade in a radial direction orthogonal to an axis of
rotation for the torque converter; and, at an acute angle with
respect to a first line in a radial direction orthogonal to an axis
of rotation for the torque converter; a turbine including: at least
one turbine blade; and, a turbine shell with a second surface:
aligned with the first surface so that a second line parallel to
the axis of rotation passes through the first and second surfaces;
and, at the acute angle with respect to the first line; a turbine
clutch including: the first and second surfaces; and, friction
material disposed between the first and second surfaces; a torus at
least partially enclosed by the impeller and turbine shells; and, a
first pressure chamber at least partially formed by the turbine
shell and the cover, wherein: for a torque converter mode, the
turbine and the impeller are independently rotatably with respect
to each other; and, for a lock-up mode, the first and second
surfaces are non-rotatably connected.
22. The torque converter of claim 21, wherein: the first surface
faces a first direction; the impeller shell includes: a first
portion including: the first surface; and, a third surface facing
in a second direction opposite the first direction; and, a second
portion: radially inward of the first portion; to which the at
least one impeller blade is directly attached; and, including a
fourth surface facing away from the at least one impeller blade;
and, the third surface is at an obtuse angle with respect to the
fourth surface.
23. The torque converter of claim 21, wherein: the second surface
faces a first direction; the turbine shell includes: a first
portion including: the second surface; and, a third surface facing
in a second direction opposite the first direction; and, a second
portion: radially inward of the first portion; to which the at
least one turbine blade is directly attached; and, including a
fourth surface facing away from the at least one turbine blade;
and, the third surface is at an obtuse angle with respect to the
fourth surface.
24. The torque converter of claim 21, further comprising: an output
including an output hub, wherein: in the torque converter mode, a
first torque path from the cover to the output hub: passes through,
in order: a first portion of the impeller shell including the first
surface; a second portion of the impeller shell to which the at
least one impeller blade is directly attached; and, a third portion
of turbine shell to which the at least one turbine blade is
directly attached; and, by-passes a fourth portion of the turbine
shell including the second surface; in the lock-up mode, a second
torque path from the cover to the output hub: passes through, in
order: the first portion; the fourth portion; and, the third
portion; and, by-passes the first portion.
25. The torque converter of claim 21, further comprising: an output
including an output hub directly connected to the turbine shell;
and, a torsional vibration damper including: an input part
non-rotatably connected to the turbine shell; an output part
non-rotatably connected to the output hub; and, at least one
resilient element engaged with the input part and the output
part.
26. The torque converter of claim 21, further comprising: a space
between the first and second surfaces including: a first end
opening to the torus; and, a second end opposite the first end and
radially outward of the first end, wherein: the friction material
is disposed in the space; and, a third line at the acute angle
passes through the first and second ends of the space, the space,
and the friction material without intersecting the first or second
surface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/856,282,
filed Jul. 19, 2013, which application is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a two pass multi-function
torque converter with a resilient element for opening an impeller
clutch.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A multi-function torque converter with an impeller clutch to
substantially non-rotatably connect an impeller to a cover for the
torque converter, and a torque converter clutch to connect a
turbine to the cover is known. It is know to use three controllable
fluid circuits (three-pass) to provide pressurized fluid to and to
drain fluid from the torus and two pressure chambers to control
operation of the impeller and torque converter clutches. A pump in
a transmission is typically used to provide pressurized fluid for
the torque converter and to drain fluid from the torque converter.
However, most known transmissions can only provide two controllable
fluid circuits making the three-pass design unusable with these
transmissions.
[0004] For a multi-function torque converter with only two
controllable fluid circuits (two-pass), it is known to close the
impeller clutch and then to close the torque converter clutch in
series. For example, to use the same fluid circuit to provide apply
pressure to close both the impeller clutch and the torque converter
clutch. However, this process reduces the pressure bandwidth for
both clutches. Further, the torque converter clutch apply pressure
for known multi-function torque converters typically starts at a
higher level than in a conventional torque converter. As a result,
there is need for higher pressure in the circuit and increased pump
capacity, and efficiency of the hydraulic system decreases. In
addition, with a two-pass design it is difficult to control the
closing of the impeller clutch, for example, the impeller clutch
typically closes too abruptly causing an uncomfortable sensation
for the driver of the vehicle including the torque converter.
[0005] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of prior art
torque converter 300 with turbine clutch 302. Torque converter 300
includes cover 304, impeller 306 with impeller shell 308, and
turbine 310 including turbine shell 312. Clutch 302 acts as a
lock-up clutch for converter 300. For example, for torque converter
mode, pressure in torus 314, formed by impeller 306 and turbine
308, is greater than pressure in chamber 316 at least partially
formed by cover 304 and turbine shell 312, and clutch 302 is open.
Torque flows from the cover to output hub 318 via impeller 306, the
turbine 310, and torsional damper 320.
[0006] In lock-up mode, pressure in chamber 316 is greater than
pressure in torus 314, closing clutch 302 and non-rotatably
connecting impeller shell 308 and turbine 310. Torque flows from
cover 304 to hub 318 via shell 308, shell 312, and damper 320.
[0007] In lock-up mode, high pressure in chamber 316 is needed to
close clutch 302. This pressure results in force F1 in direction D
on portions 312A and 308A of turbine shell 312 and impeller shell
308, respectively. Portion 308B of shell 308 is relatively thick
and buttressed by blades 322 for the impeller. Portion 308A is
relatively flexible compared to portion 308B. Therefore, in
response to force F1, portion 308B remains stable and portion 308A
flexes in direction D. As a result of the flexing of portion 308A,
stress and strain is placed on corner 308C of shell 308 decreasing
the service life of shell 308 and increasing the likelihood of
failure of shell 308.
SUMMARY
[0008] According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a
multi-function torque converter, including: a cover arranged to
receive torque; an impeller including an impeller shell and at
least one impeller blade connected to the impeller shell; a turbine
including a turbine shell and at least one turbine blade connected
to the turbine shell; a torus at least partially enclosed by the
impeller and turbine shells; a first pressure chamber at least
partially formed by the impeller shell and the cover; in impeller
clutch including a portion of the impeller shell; and a resilient
element assembly located in the first pressure chamber. Pressure in
the torus is arranged to displace the impeller shell in a first
direction to substantially non-rotatably connect the portion of the
impeller shell to the cover for a closed mode for the impeller
clutch. The resilient element assembly urges, with a first force,
the impeller shell in a second direction opposite the first
direction.
[0009] According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a
multi-function torque converter, including: a cover arranged to
receive torque; an impeller including an impeller shell and at
least one impeller blade connected to the impeller shell; a turbine
including a turbine shell and at least one turbine blade connected
to the turbine shell; a torus at least partially enclosed by the
impeller and turbine shells; a first pressure chamber at least
partially formed by the impeller shell and the cover; an impeller
clutch including a portion of the impeller shell; and a resilient
element assembly located in the first pressure chamber. Fluid
pressure in the torus is arranged to exert a first force on the
impeller shell to displace the impeller shell in a first direction
to substantially non-rotatably connect the portion of the impeller
shell to the cover for a closed mode for the impeller clutch. The
resilient element assembly applies a second force to the impeller
shell in a second direction opposite the first direction. When the
second force is greater than the first force, the resilient element
assembly is arranged to displace the impeller shell in the second
direction to disengage the impeller shell and cover for an open
mode for the impeller clutch.
[0010] According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a
multi-function torque converter, including: a cover arranged to
receive torque; an impeller including an impeller shell and at
least one impeller blade connected to the impeller shell; a turbine
including a turbine shell and at least one turbine blade connected
to the turbine shell; a torus at least partially enclosed by the
impeller and turbine shells; a first pressure chamber at least
partially formed by the impeller shell and the cover; a second
pressure chamber at least partially formed by the turbine shell and
the cover; an impeller clutch including a portion of the impeller
shell; a resilient element assembly located in the first pressure
chamber and urging the impeller shell in a first direction with a
first force; and a turbine clutch including a portion of the
turbine shell. When a second force, produced by fluid pressure in
the torus, in a second direction opposite the first direction is
greater than the first force, the second force is arranged to
displace the impeller shell in the second direction to
substantially non-rotatably connect the portion of the impeller
shell and the cover for a closed mode for the impeller clutch. When
the first force is greater than the second force, the resilient
element assembly is arranged to displace the impeller shell in the
first direction to disengage the impeller shell and cover for an
open mode for the impeller clutch. A difference the fluid pressure
in the torus and fluid pressure in the second chamber is arranged
to displace the turbine shell in the first or second direction to
disengage or engage, respectively, the portion of the turbine shell
with the portion of the impeller shell.
[0011] According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a
torque converter, including: a cover arranged to receive torque; an
impeller including at least one impeller blade, and an impeller
shell with a first surface extending beyond the at least one
impeller blade in a radial direction orthogonal to an axis of
rotation for the torque converter and at an acute angle with
respect to a first line in a radial direction orthogonal to an axis
of rotation for the torque converter; a turbine including at least
one turbine blade, and a turbine shell with a second surface
aligned with the first surface so that a second line parallel to
the axis of rotation passes through the first and second surfaces
and at the acute angle with respect to the first line; a turbine
clutch including the first and second surfaces and friction
material disposed between the first and second surfaces; a torus at
least partially enclosed by the impeller and turbine shells; and a
first pressure chamber at least partially formed by the turbine
shell and the cover. For a torque converter mode, the turbine and
the impeller are independently rotatably with respect to each
other. For a lock-up mode, the first and second surfaces are
non-rotatably connected.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Various embodiments are disclosed, by way of example only,
with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which
corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, in
which:
[0013] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a cylindrical coordinate
system demonstrating spatial terminology used in the present
application;
[0014] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an object in the
cylindrical coordinate system of FIG. 1A demonstrating spatial
terminology used in the present application;
[0015] FIG. 2 is partial cross-sectional view of a multi-function
torque converter with a resilient element assembly for an impeller
clutch;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the multi-function
torque converter of FIG. 2 in a vehicle drive train.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a detail of the resilient element assembly in the
multi-function torque converter of FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 5 is partial cross-sectional view of a multi-function
torque converter with a resilient element assembly for an impeller
clutch;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a detail of the resilient element assembly in the
multi-function torque converter of FIG. 5;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a multi-function
torque converter with a series damper and a resilient element
assembly for an impeller clutch;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a multi-function
torque converter with a series damper, a vibration absorber and a
resilient element assembly for an impeller clutch;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a torque
converter with a conical turbine clutch;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a detail of portion 10 in FIG. 9 with clutch 202
closed; and,
[0024] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of a prior art
torque converter with a turbine clutch.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing
numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or
functionally similar, structural elements of the disclosure. It is
to be understood that the disclosure as claimed is not limited to
the disclosed aspects.
[0026] Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure is not
limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications
described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood
that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of
the present disclosure.
[0027] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It
should be understood that any methods, devices or materials similar
or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice
or testing of the disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of cylindrical coordinate
system 80 demonstrating spatial terminology used in the present
application. The present invention is at least partially described
within the context of a cylindrical coordinate system. System 80
has a longitudinal axis 81, used as the reference for the
directional and spatial terms that follow. The adjectives "axial,"
"radial," and "circumferential" are with respect to an orientation
parallel to axis 81, radius 82 (which is orthogonal to axis 81),
and circumference 83, respectively. The adjectives "axial,"
"radial" and "circumferential" also are regarding orientation
parallel to respective planes. To clarify the disposition of the
various planes, objects 84, 85, and 86 are used. Surface 87 of
object 84 forms an axial plane. That is, axis 81 forms a line along
the surface. Surface 88 of object 85 forms a radial plane. That is,
radius 82 forms a line along the surface. Surface 89 of object 86
forms a circumferential plane. That is, circumference 83 forms a
line along the surface. As a further example, axial movement or
disposition is parallel to axis 81, radial movement or disposition
is parallel to radius 82, and circumferential movement or
disposition is parallel to circumference 83. Rotation is with
respect to axis 81.
[0029] The adverbs "axially," "radially," and "circumferentially"
are with respect to an orientation parallel to axis 81, radius 82,
or circumference 83, respectively. The adverbs "axially,"
"radially," and "circumferentially" also are regarding orientation
parallel to respective planes.
[0030] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of object 90 in cylindrical
coordinate system 80 of FIG. 1A demonstrating spatial terminology
used in the present application. Cylindrical object 90 is
representative of a cylindrical object in a cylindrical coordinate
system and is not intended to limit the present invention in any
manner. Object 90 includes axial surface 91, radial surface 92, and
circumferential surface 93. Surface 91 is part of an axial plane,
surface 92 is part of a radial plane, and surface 93 is a
circumferential surface.
[0031] FIG. 2 is partial cross-sectional view of multi-function
torque converter 100 with a resilient element assembly for an
impeller clutch.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of multi-function torque
converter 100 of FIG. 2 in a vehicle drive train. The following
should be viewed in light of FIGS. 2 and 3. Multi-function torque
converter 100 includes axis of rotation AR, cover 102, impeller
104, turbine 106, and impeller clutch 108. Cover 102 is arranged to
receive torque, for example from engine 110. Impeller 104 includes
impeller shell 112 and at least one impeller blade 114 connected to
the impeller shell. Turbine 106 includes turbine shell 116 and at
least one turbine blade 118 connected to the turbine shell.
Converter 100 includes torus 120, at least partially enclosed by
the impeller and turbine shells, pressure chamber 122 at least
partially formed by the impeller shell and the cover, and resilient
element assembly 124 located in pressure chamber 122. Impeller
clutch 108 includes portion 112A of the impeller shell. Pressure in
the torus is arranged to displace the impeller shell in direction
AD1, parallel to axis AR, to substantially non-rotatably connect
portion 112A of the impeller shell to the cover for a closed mode
for impeller clutch 110. By "substantially non-rotatably connect"
or "substantially non-rotatably connected" we mean that some
nominal relative rotation of components of the clutch in question,
for example in the form of slip associated with normal operation of
the clutch in question in the closed mode, may be possible for the
clutch in question. In the closed mode, clutch 108 transmits torque
from cover 102 to impeller 104.
[0033] Resilient element assembly 124 applies a force to the
impeller shell in direction AD2, opposite direction AD1, that is,
element 124 urges the impeller shell in direction AD2 with the
force from element 124. When the force produced by fluid pressure
in the torus is less than the force exerted by resilient element
assembly 124 on the impeller shell, the resilient element assembly
is arranged to displace the impeller shell in direction AD2 to
disengage the impeller shell and cover for an open mode for the
impeller clutch. In the open mode for clutch 108, impeller shell
114 and cover 104 are substantially independently rotatable, that
is, there is at most only negligible contact between cover 104 and
impeller shell 112.
[0034] FIG. 4 is a detail of resilient element assembly 124 in FIG.
2. The following should be viewed in light of FIGS. 2 through 4.
Resilient element assembly 124 includes at least one groove 126.
Radially inward flow of fluid out of pressure chamber 122, for
example, fluid circuit 128, is at least partly through groove 126.
In an example embodiment, the entirety of the radially inward flow
is through groove(s) 126. In an example embodiment, element 124
includes diaphragm spring 130 with fingers 130A and 130B engaged
with washers 132 and 134, respectively. Washer 132 is in contact
with cover 102 and washer 134 is in contact with shell 112. In an
example embodiment, washers 132 and 134 are plastic washers. Spring
130 reacts against washer 134 and cover 102 to apply force to
washer 134 and shell 112 in direction AD2. One or both of washers
132 and 134 are slideable along cover 102 and shell 112,
respectively, to enable relative rotation between cover 102 and
shell 112. It should be understood that groove(s) 126 can be formed
in washer 134 or that groove(s) 126 can be formed in each of
washers 132 and 134.
[0035] Clutch 108 includes friction material 136. Portion 112A is
radially outward from blade 114 and material 136 is between portion
112A and cover 102 in direction AD1. In the closed position for
clutch 108, portion 112A, material 136 and cover 102 are
substantially non-rotatably connected.
[0036] Converter 100 includes turbine clutch 138. In an example
embodiment, clutch 138 includes portion 116A of the turbine shell
and friction material 140. Portion 116A is located radially outward
of turbine blade 118 and material 140 is between portion 116A and
portion 112A in direction AD1. In the closed position for clutch
138, portions 112A and 116A and material 140 are substantially
non-rotatably connected. In an open mode for clutch 138, impeller
shell 114 and turbine shell 116 are substantially independently
rotatable, that is, there is at most only negligible contact
between impeller shell 114 and turbine shell 116.
[0037] Clutch 138 closes (closed mode) when fluid pressure in
chamber 142, at least partially formed by cover 102 and shell 116,
is sufficiently greater than fluid pressure in the torus, which
displaces turbine shell 116 in direction AD1. Clutch 138 opens
(open mode) when fluid pressure in torus 120 is sufficiently
greater than fluid pressure in chamber 142, which displaces turbine
shell 116 in direction AD2. Converter 100 includes fluid circuits
144 and 146. As further described below, only circuits 144 and 146
are actively controlled, that is, converter 100 is a two-pass
converter. Circuit 144 is used to controllably provide pressurized
fluid to the torus from pump 148 in transmission 150 and circuit
146 is used to controllably provide pressurized fluid to chamber
142 from pump 148. Circuits 144 and 146 are controlled to provide
specified fluid pressures in chamber 142 and the torus to operate
clutch 108 and 138.
[0038] Circuit 128 is connected to sump 152 of pump 148. There is
no active control of circuit 128, for example, there is no control
of back pressure between chamber 122 and the sump. Fluid passively
drains from chamber 122 to the sump, for example, when shell 112
displaces in direction AD1 to close clutch 108. Fluid is replaced
in chamber 122 by flow from chamber 142 and/or the torus. By
"passively drains" we mean that the circuit from chamber 122 does
not contain active elements, such as valves, to control the flow
from chamber 122 to the sump.
[0039] FIG. 5 is partial cross-sectional view of multi-function
torque converter 100 with a resilient element assembly for an
impeller clutch.
[0040] FIG. 6 is a detail of the resilient element assembly in the
multi-function torque converter of FIG. 5. The following should be
viewed in light of FIGS. 2 through 6. The descriptions in FIGS. 2
through 4 of torque converter 100 are applicable to torque
converter 100 in FIG. 5 except as noted. In an example embodiment,
element 124 includes "S" shaped diaphragm spring 154 including
friction material 156 in contact with cover 102. End 154A of spring
154 is non-rotatably connected to shell 112, for example, by rivet
157, and material 156 is slideable along cover 102 (rotates with
shell 112) to enable relative rotation of cover 102 with respect to
shell 112. Spring 154 reacts against friction material 156 and
cover 102 to apply force to shell 112 in direction AD2. It should
be understood that the configuration of spring 154 can be reversed,
for example, end 154A can be fixedly secured to cover 102 and
material 156 can be in contact with shell 112.
[0041] Advantageously, the two-pass (controlled fluid circuits 144
and 146) design of torque converter 100 eliminates the problems
noted above for two-pass and three-pass multi-function torque
converters. For example, since converter 100 is a two-pass design,
converter 100 is usable with commonly-used and widely available
two-pass transmissions. Converter 100 eliminates the need for a
third controllable fluid circuit through the use resilient element
assembly 124. Rather than supplying pressurized fluid to chamber
122 through circuit 128, force from resilient element assembly 124
is used to displace impeller shell 112 in direction AD2 to open
clutch 108.
[0042] Further, resilient element assembly 124 and grooves 126
eliminate the harsh closing of the impeller clutch noted above. To
close clutch 108, fluid pressure in the torus is increased to
overcome the force applied by resilient element assembly 124,
displacing shell 112 in direction AD1. The displacement of shell
112 in direction AD1 reduces the volume of chamber 122. In
addition, fluid in the torus leaks between portion 112A and cover
102 until firm contact is made between portion 112A, friction
material 136, and cover 102. The reduction of the volume of chamber
122 and the flow from the torus to chamber 122 urge fluid in
chamber 122 to drain more quickly than desired for a smooth closing
of clutch 108. Advantageously, grooves 126 restrict the flow of
fluid out of chamber 122, leaving sufficient fluid in the chamber
to slow the displacement of shell 112 and cushion the closing of
clutch 108.
[0043] In an example embodiment, torque converter 100 includes
torsional vibration damper 158 non-rotatably connected to output
hub 160, which in turn is arranged to non-rotatably connect to
transmission input shaft 162. In an example embodiment, at least
one tab 164 of damper 158 is non-rotatably connected to shell 116
and engaged with at least one spring 166. Spring 166 is engaged
with output flange 168, which is non-rotatably connected to the
output hub. In an example embodiment, bushing 170 is located
between cover 102 and flange 168 and bushing 171 forms a seal
between chamber 142 and the torus.
[0044] In an example embodiment, torque converter 100 includes
stator 172 with at least one blade 174 and one-way clutch 176. In
an example embodiment, clutch 176 is a wedge clutch one-way clutch
with outer race 176A including cone-shaped indent 176B, and wedge
plates 176C with cone-shaped outer circumferential surfaces
176D.
[0045] FIG. 7 is partial cross-sectional view of multi-function
torque converter 100 with a resilient element assembly for an
impeller clutch and a series damper. The descriptions of torque
converter 100 in FIGS. 2 through 4 are applicable to torque
converter 100 in FIG. 7 except as noted. In an example embodiment,
converter 100 includes series damper 178 including at least one tab
164 and at least one spring 166. Spring 166 is engaged with
intermediate plates 180, which are in turn engaged with at least
one spring 182. Spring 182 is engaged with output flange 184, which
is arranged for non-rotatable connection to input shaft 162. Torque
converter 100 in FIG. 7 includes resilient element assembly 124
described in FIGS. 2 and 4.
[0046] FIG. 8 is partial cross-sectional view of multi-function
torque converter 100 with a centrifugally actuated impeller clutch
in a closed position, a series damper, and a vibration absorber.
The descriptions of torque converter 100 in FIGS. 2 through 4 and 7
are applicable to torque converter 100 in FIG. 8 except as noted.
In an example embodiment, converter 100 includes damper 178 and
vibration absorber 186 with plate 188 non-rotatably connected to
plates 180 and with pendulum masses 190 connected to plate 188, but
swivelable with respect to plate 188.
[0047] In an example embodiment, materials 136 and 140 are fixed to
portion 112A.
[0048] It should be understood that torque converter 100 is not
limited to the damper, series damper, stator, or vibration absorber
configurations shown.
[0049] FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of torque converter
200 with conical turbine clutch 202. Torque converter 200 includes
cover 204 arranged to receive torque, impeller 206, and turbine
208. Impeller 206 includes impeller shell 210 and at least one
impeller blade 212 (hereinafter referred to as impeller blade 212)
directly connected to portion 210A of shell 210. Turbine 208
includes turbine shell 214 and at least one turbine blade 216
(hereinafter referred to as turbine blade 216) directly attached to
portion 214A of shell 214. Shell 210 includes surface 218 extending
beyond impeller blade 212 in radial direction RD orthogonal to axis
of rotation AR for torque converter 200. Shell 214 includes surface
220 extending beyond turbine blade 216 in radial direction RD.
Torque converter 200 includes torus 222 at least partially enclosed
by shells 210 and 214.
[0050] FIG. 10 is a detail of portion 10 in FIG. 9 with clutch 202
closed. The following should be viewed in light of FIGS. 9 and 10.
Turbine clutch 202 includes surfaces 218 and 220 and friction
material 224 disposed between surfaces 218 and 220. Surface 220 is
aligned with surface 218 so that line L1, parallel to axis AR,
passes through surfaces 220 and 218. Surfaces 218 and 220 are at
acute angle 226 with respect to line L2 in radial direction RD.
Pressure chamber 228 is at least partially formed by turbine shell
214 and cover 204. For a torque converter mode, turbine 208 and
impeller 206 are independently rotatably with respect to each
other. Stated otherwise, in the torque converter mode, clutch 202
is open. For a lock-up mode, surfaces 218 and 220 are non-rotatably
connected. Stated otherwise, clutch 202 is closed and surfaces 218
and 220 are non-rotatably connected with the possible exception of
slip associated with normal operation of a closed clutch.
[0051] Surface 218 faces direction D1. Shell 210 includes portion
210B including surface 218 and surface 230 facing direction D2,
opposite direction D1. Portion 210A includes surface 232 facing
away from impeller blade 212. Surface 230 is at obtuse angle 234
with respect to surface 232.
[0052] Shell 214 includes portion 214B including surface 220 and
surface 236 facing direction D1. Portion 214A includes surface 238
facing away from turbine blade 216. Surface 236 is at obtuse angle
240 with respect to surface 236.
[0053] Surface 220 faces direction D2. Clutch 202 includes space
242 between surfaces 218 and 220. Space 242 includes end 244 and
end 246 radially outward of end 242. End 244 opens to torus 222.
Friction material 224 is disposed in space 242. Line L3, at acute
angle 226 passes through ends 244 and 246 and friction material 224
without intersecting surface 218 or surface 220. For example, line
L3 is orthogonal to directions D1 and D2.
[0054] Torque converter 200 includes output hub 248 arranged to
non-rotatably connect to a transmission input shaft (not shown). In
the torque converter mode, torque path 250 is formed from cover 204
to output hub 248. Path 248 passes through in order: portion 210B,
portion 210A, and portion 214A. Path 248 by-passes portion 214B. In
the lock-up mode, torque path 252 is formed from cover 204 to
output hub 246. Path 252 passes through in order: portion 210B,
portion 214B, and portion 214A. Path 252 by-passes portion
210A.
[0055] In an example embodiment, converter 200 includes torsional
vibration damper 254 including input part 256, output part 258
non-rotatably connected to hub 248, and at least one resilient
element 260 engaged with parts 256 and 258.
[0056] Advantageously, angling portions 210B and 214B addresses the
stress and strain problems noted above. Pressure in chamber 228 is
increased to be greater than pressure in the torus to displace
turbine shell 214 in direction AD, parallel to axis AR, to close
clutch 202. Increasing the pressure in chamber 228 generates force
F2, in direction AD, on portion 214B. As clutch 202 closes, force
F2 is transferred to portion 210B. Advantageously, since portion
210B is at angle 226, portion 210B is able to withstand greater
force F2 without flexing, avoiding stress and strain on shell 210,
in particular in portion 210C connecting portions 210A and 210B. In
particular, stress and strain on interior portion 260 of portion
210C is reduced.
[0057] Further, the angling of surfaces 218 and 220 increases the
torque bearing capacity of clutch 202. For example, if surfaces 218
and 220 are substantially orthogonal to axis AR and force F2 is
applied to close the clutch, axial force F2 is substantially acting
alone against shear forces to keep clutch 202 closed. However, by
angling surfaces 218 and 220, a wedge effect is created, augmenting
axial force and adding force F3 in direction RD, to maintain the
non-rotatable connection of surfaces 218 and 220. As a result, and
in comparison to a configuration with surfaces 218 and 220
substantially orthogonal to axis AR: to attain a same torque
bearing capacity for clutch 202, force F2 can be reduced with
surfaces 218 and 220 at acute angle 226; or for a same force F2,
the torque bearing capacity of clutch 202 is increased with
surfaces 218 and 220 at acute angle 226.
[0058] It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed
and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be
desirably combined into many other different systems or
applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated
alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein
may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also
intended to be encompassed by the following claims.
* * * * *